Matheson is ready to act

Mounted police were brought in to restore order after the pitch invasion. Picture: Robert Perry

Published:11:45Thursday 02 June 2016

Share this article

Justice secretary Michael Matheson has threatened Scottish Government intervention if Scottish Football cannot clean up its act.

Mr Matheson, who is also MSP for Falkirk West, was speaking at the AGM of the SFA yesterday (Wednesday).

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

He condemned the riot which followed the Scottish Cup final but urged governing bodies to use it to “address some of the negative long-standing issues in the game”.

He added: “The Offensive Behaviour at Football Act was introduced in 2012 following ugly scenes at a different match and highlights that the Scottish Government will act if we don’t think football is doing enough.

“That may be strict liability or something else, but we want to see football taking the opportunity to address this long-standing issue. Scottish clubs competing in Europe are already subject to strict liability, so it can and does work.

“I hope football can rise to this challenge and finally address this issue, and the Scottish Government is ready to work together constructively on this. I am encouraged by the initial response, but let me be absolutely clear: the Government is prepared to act if Scottish football isn’t. However, I genuinely hope this is not needed and football takes control of its own destiny.”

Police restore order after unrest at Hampden Park. Picture: Robert Perry